Teacher — Staff — Horizon School

Jeanine Beylefeld

Bachelor of Education (Primary and ECE), Psychology of Education (Hons)

In 2008, my husband and I moved to New Zealand where I helped establish and manage one of the largest preschools in Takapuna for 10 years. After maternity leave, I returned to Primary Education as a relief teacher in Auckland before moving to Ahuroa when I began teaching at Horizon.

I have the privilege of teaching the youngest students in our school. Their passion and enthusiasm for life drive me. I believe in making the classroom a fun-filled space where everyone is accepted and inspired to reach their full potential. My role is fostering a love for learning and school, setting them up well for future years.

When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending my time doing anything creative. I love DIY projects and interior decorating.

Primarywww.creed.nzJune 4, 2024Teacher

Grace Presland-White

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary), Bachelor of Sport and Recreation

I grew up in the local area and have a very strong connection to this beautiful place we call home. I am married with 3 children who attend Horizon School and love being connected to our local church.

I recently moved from teaching new entrant Tamariki, to teaching year 5/6. I love connecting with the heart of each learner and seeing them understand new concepts. I am also passionate about seeing the Special Character of our school flourish in the lives of all our learners.

I enjoy being active in the beautiful outdoors, reading a good book and drinking coffee.

Primarywww.creed.nzMay 27, 2024Teacher, Special Character Coordinator

Vanessa Holdsworth

Bachelor of Primary Education

I moved her from South Africa 16 years ago. I am married, have two sons and a super cute granddaughter. Horizon School has been a real calling for my life. God has truly blessed our time here, and given us strong ties into the community.

My roles within the school vary as a teacher, team leader and WSL Kahui Ako leader. I love working with the students and building relationships with them.

I have learnt to bike ride and have been on many (easy) mountain bike adventures. Our favourite caravan holiday is somewhere with a cycleway. When I am in the forest either walking or cycling I seem to feel God's presence more and my soul is restored.

PrimaryPhil HoughtonMay 26, 2024Teacher

Katherine Wyllie

Bachelor of Arts, Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching

Ko Katherine Wyllie tēnei. I have been teaching for six years. I have just returned to teaching after having my lovely daughter.

I am a kaiako in the New Entrant space here at Horizon School. I love supporting tamariki as they make the transition to school life. I am a passionate junior teacher.

I spend a lot of time with my whānau and friends outside of school.

Primarywww.creed.nzMay 24, 2024Teacher

Amy Williams

Bachelor of Communication Studies, Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)

I grew up in Hamilton and Auckland, and I have recently moved to Snells Beach to join the Horizon whānau. I am a proud wife and mother to two beautiful children, and I am passionate about providing teaching and learning that supports our rangitahi to reach their potential.

As Head Dean and teacher of Literacy, History, and English at Horizon School, it is a privilege to facilitate a safe place for students to seek help and encouragement, use Biblical wisdom to provide guidance when students are facing challenges, and help to foster their individual successes.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, singing, dancing, listening to music, baking, sharing food with others, and going for walks and swims in the ocean.

Collegewww.creed.nzMay 18, 2024Head Dean, Senior College Dean, Teacher

Adrien Alldridge

Masters in Geography, Post-Graduate Certificate in Education.

I have recently returned to teaching having spent the last 20 years in church leadership, first as a Youth Pastor and most recently as Lead Pastor of a church my wife and I started in Bournemouth, on the south coast of England.

I’m really excited to be back teaching, and am enjoying trying to get the very best out of the Year 9 and 10 students in the College. I love to encourage and empower people in the hope that they can flourish and thrive. My wife is on staff here and our 3 children attend the school as well, so our whole family are at Horizon, and we all love the very special culture and community here.

Collegewww.creed.nzMay 16, 2024Teacher, Head of PE

Lana Purdon

Bachelor of Business Studies (Major in Accountancy), Graduate Diploma in Secondary School Teaching, Master of Educational Leadership (First Class Honours)

I grew up in a rural town called Dargaville and since then have moved to Auckland, Hamilton, back to Auckland, and now to Warkworth. I am married with two young children, and we are thoroughly loving becoming a part of the Warkworth and surrounding communities.

At Horizon School, I teach Business Studies and Mathematics. I have a passion for my subjects, allowing students to see how this information can impact them in their lives, here and now, and help them in their future endeavours.

I love to garden, go for a run, play a game of netball, swim, bake, go camping with my family, cross-stitch, and read a good book.

Collegewww.creed.nzMay 15, 2024Across School Leader, Teacher

Simonè Nieuwenhuys

Primarywww.creed.nzMay 10, 2024Teacher

Paul Dawson

Bachelor's Degree in Business Admin, MBA, Diploma in Teaching (secondary)

Originally starting life overseas, I grew up in Los Angeles and I have also lived in San Francisco and London. I then made the move to New Zealand in 2019. I am married and have two daughters who are students here at Horizon.

I teach Maths, Business Studies, STEM, and Formation. I enjoy empowering and encouraging young people.

My hobbies include rock-climbing, snowboarding, spear-fishing, wakeboarding, and SCUBA diving.

Collegewww.creed.nzMay 5, 2024Teacher

Emma Alldridge

Master’s in Interior Architecture, Postgraduate Certificate in Design and Technology, Qualified as a Christian Spiritual Director and Supervisor for Spiritual Directors

I am from the UK and originally arrived in New Zealand in 2008. I am married and have three children who go to Horizon School. My educational background is in Art, Music, Architecture, and Design.

At Horizon School, I love helping people grow holistically and naturally draw on my creativity, compassion, and craftsmanship to help them on their journey. I bring this into practice as a teacher and mentor, seeking to engage and inspire young people to connect with their own imagination and creativity.

Spending time outdoors draws out my creativity, and I often incorporate organic forms and shapes into my ideas as an artist and designer.

Collegewww.creed.nzApril 27, 2024Teacher, Music Teacher

Sarah Welch

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Arts in History, Graduate Diploma in Teaching

Originally from Snells Beach, I spent time in Wellington for University and South Auckland where I taught for 7 years. In 2017 I returned to Snells Beach with my husband and two daughters who go to Horizon.

I love teaching and can't imagine ever doing anything else. It is such a privilege to walk alongside these fabulous young people during their years at College. I love that at Horizon the students are known and that their interests and passions are encouraged.

Outside of school, I love to go camping or spend time at the beach with my whānau. I also enjoy baking, reading, David Attenborough docos, and learning photography.

Collegewww.creed.nzApril 23, 2024Teacher, Board of Trustees Staff Representative

Marla Ferguson

Bachelor of Arts in English, Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching

I was raised in the Southwestern USA and grew up in California and Arizona. I am married with three children, Eva, Ethan, and Eliza, and we moved to New Zealand in 2014.

At Horizon School, I teach Literacy, Hapori, and Maths to Year 8 students, as well as Year 10 Literacy. Accomplished and confident students prepared with the academic and social skills necessary for a successful future are always my priority in my classroom.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading a good book, collecting vintage textiles, and sewing.

Collegewww.creed.nzApril 19, 2024Teacher

Roushan Johnson

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Air Transport Management, Commercial Pilot Licence, Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering, Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Education (Specialising in Maths and Science)

Originally from Wales, I trained to be a pilot originally – studying in the UK and America.

I teach Maths, Physics and Engineering. In 2024 we have introduced Evolocity – a connected programme where senior students study both tech and physics credits whilst carrying out hands-on learning to build a motorised vehicle. I love that at Horizon we combine year groups and subjects so that the learning the students do is connected to real life rather than siloed

I love football. I play football for Warkworth Football Club and help Warkworth fun football league, where I am currently coaching my sons team 'Arsenal'.

Collegewww.creed.nzApril 12, 2024Teacher, Data Manager